Most, if not all, workplaces have been shut down amidst the virus, and employees have been working remotely for most of the year. Now, with Christmas just around the corner and the Coronavirus entering its second wave, it seems likely that even the holidays would be spent indoors.
The remote working situation has seriously affected employee morale as managers and employers have been unable to show their appreciation. Hence, during this peculiar holiday season, managers and companies need to figure out how to cater to their employees.
If you own a business and are wondering how you can impress your employees this Christmas, then we have some great ideas for you. For starters, you can organise online Christmas parties with the help of corporate event planners. Second, you can deliver thoughtful Christmas presents to your employees at their doorstep!
We know the latter can be a challenging task because you want to choose something that is meaningful but not too expensive. But don’t worry too much, as here are some fun and budget-friendly Christmas gift ideas for remote teams to brighten their day.
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Essentials from eRetailers
For employees who stay at home, buying groceries is perhaps the most significant hindrance considering they don’t have time to go out. With daily essentials easily up for grabs online, coupons and vouchers from eRetailers like Amazon, Tesco and Azda would make the perfect Christmas gift for remote teams.
Books, Magazines or Audibles
With many people stuck at home due to the lockdown, reading books, magazines, or audibles is a great way to spend free time and distract oneself. Gifting your employees subscriptions to eLibraries, such as Kindle and iTunes, would help them do just that and make them feel appreciated by their employers.
Box Full of Goodies
You can also give a custom box full of goodies as a gift right before your corporate virtual event on Christmas. Fill the box with all the essentials that are typically present at office Christmas parties. Consider adding a cocktail kit, tiny treats, snacks, peanuts, etc., to the box.
Caffeine
There is no doubt about the fact that caffeine is undoubtedly the universal corporate crowd pleaser. Give your employees gift-cards for a coffee and tea shop that is the trendiest these days. Make it extra special by gifting them tumblers that they can keep on their desk while working or on the go.
Confectionaries
Nothing is more personalized and thoughtful than customized chocolates, cupcakes, or cookies. Not only are these treats delicious, but if you customize them with thoughtful messages or company logos, it will surely let them know that you care.
Remote Work Essentials
At home, employees don’t have access to all the essentials that they have at the office. Hence, prepare a customized box of office essentials as a Christmas gift. These essentials can include a snazzy pair of headphones, customized sticky notes, and diaries with the company logo, a small succulent plant, etc.
Subscription to Online Streaming
Gifting remote teams year-long subscriptions to online streaming services, such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max, would undoubtedly be something that would help them get through this year. Not only is this gift budget-friendly, but it will also serve as a stress reliever and distraction from work.
With the help of corporate event planners, you can also arrange a virtual Christmas themed movie night for the whole company.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts mean more to employees than non-personalized gifts. Consider getting your remote teams personalized mugs, tumblers, a sweater, or even a mask with their name on it. During these times, a face mask is undoubtedly essential.
A great idea would be to distribute the gifts before your corporate virtual event, so everyone can wear their personalized sweaters for it.
Personal Fitness Equipment
Remote teams often do not get the time to go to the gym. Due to the Coronavirus, most gyms have also shut down. Plus, working remotely mainly involves sitting on the desk or couch the whole day, which is not healthy.
Hence, gifting fitness equipment such as resistance bands, dumbbells, yoga mats, or jump rope, could be a nice idea. It is a budget-friendly gift and would encourage remote teams to stay active.
Food Coupons
These are an excellent and budget-friendly gift for remote teams on Christmas. Most people have large gatherings at Christmas, so employees can make use of these coupons to order dinner for themselves and their families.
Plants
These are a terrific budget-friendly accessory to brighten up an employee’s work desk or home. Consider gifting a succulent, cactus, or bonsai to your remote teams as it is sure to delight them. You can add their names or the company logo on the pots for a personalized touch.
Branded Gift Cards
These work particularly well and are practical for remote teams who work in different cities or countries since they can be readily available. Not only that, but they also give the employees a myriad of choices that they can choose from. The best thing about gifting gift cards is that employees can get whatever they like. You can consider giving them gift cards from brands like Zara, H&M, Homesense, etc.
Relaxing Spa Kit
Contrary to popular belief, working remotely is not less tiring or stressful than working from home. In fact, many people believe it’s more exhausting. If you want to show your employees that you care, gift them an at-home spa kit that they can use to relax and unwind. It can include a bath soak, bath salts, a scented candle, and a mini lotion.
Author Bio
Sarah Hill is a content writer at Seven Events Ltd, leading event management company in Birmingham offering virtual events, corporate event management and venue finding services. She started her career in the events industry almost a decade ago as time progressed she became an avid event blogger sharing her insight on corporate event planning.